The Indo-Gangetic Plains

The Indo-Gangetic plain is irrigated by three important rivers,
the Ganges, Indus and Brahmaputra. This vast plain is most fertile
and productive because of the alluvial soil brought by the streams
of the rivers and its tributaries.
The Indus river rises beyond the Himalayas and its major
tributaries are the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and Beas. The Punjab
plains are benefited by the Indus river system. The literal meaning of
the term ‘Punjab’ is the land of five rivers. Sind is situated at the lower
valley of the Indus. The Indus plain is known for its fertile soil.
The Thar Desert and Aravalli hills are situated in between the
Indus and Gangetic plains. Mount Abu is the highest point (5650 ft.) in
the Aravalli hills. The Ganges river rises in the Himalayas, flows south
and then towards the east. The river
Yamuna flows almost parallel to the
Ganges and then joins it. The area
between these two rivers is called doab
– meaning the land between two rivers.
The important tributaries of the Ganges
are the Gomati, Sarayu, Ghagra and
Gandak.
In the east of India, the Ganges plain merges into the plains of
Brahmaputra. The river Brahmaputra rises beyond the Himalayas, flows
across Tibet and then continues through the plains of northeast India. In
the plains, it is a vast but a slow-moving river forming several islands.
The Indo-Gangetic plain has contributed to the rise of urban
centres, particularly on the river banks or at the confluence of rivers.
The Harappan culture flourished in the Indus valley. The Vedic culture
prospered in the western Gangetic plain. Banares, Allahabad, Agra,
Delhi and Pataliputra are some of the important cities of the Gangetic
plain. The city of Pataliputra was situated at the confluence of Son
river with the Ganges. In the ancient period Pataliputra had remained
the capital for the Mauryas, Sungas, Guptas and other kingdoms.
The most important city on the western side of the Gangetic plain
is Delhi. Most of the decisive battles of Indian history such as the
Kurukshetra, Tarain and Panipat were fought near Delhi. Also, this
plain had always been a source of temptation and attraction for the
foreign invaders due to its fertility and productive wealth. Important
powers fought for the possession of these plains and valleys. Especially
the Ganga-Yamuna doab proved to be the most coveted and contested
area.
The rivers in this region served as arteries of commerce and
communication. In ancient times it was difficult to make roads, and
so men and material were moved by boat. The importance of rivers
for communication continued till the days of the East India Company.
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1 comments:

Unknown said...

name the city located in the Brahmaputra ganga plane

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